What is Microsoft Fabric? A Guide for UK Businesses  

Introduction 

With so many businesses now operating in the cloud, data really is your organisation’s lifeblood.  

From customer CRM info to detailed transaction logs to sensitive employee information, information is everywhere. But wrangling all of that data and making the most of it in a secure manner? That’s a whole different ball-game.  

It’s here that Microsoft Fabric steps in.  

Designed to simplify the complex world of analytics and data management, Microsoft Fabric changes the game for small businesses keen to capitalise on their data and leverage it to make better decisions.  

If this is the first you’re hearing of Microsoft Fabric, fear not, because here’s your comprehensive guide to this new data platform. 

What is Microsoft Fabric? 

Microsoft Fabric is a comprehensive analytics solution built for enterprises who have large volumes of data spread across multiple cloud locations.  

Fabric seamless connects any number of cloud-based storage solutions into one single location. That means you can instantly access data from cloud services like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, without having to jump from one cloud platform to the other.  

Fabric achieves this unified data view by leveraging what it calls “shortcuts” – invisible links to your data repositories which access, but do not move, your data. No data movement means your data remains safely stored wherever it is, even if you’re slicing and dicing it in Fabric.   

The result is a unified view as if all your data is stored in one central location, aptly described by Microsoft as a “unified data analytics platform.” 

What is OneLake? Or a lakehouse? What’s with all the lakes? 

At the heart of Microsoft Fabric is something the company calls “OneLake” – a naming convention that’ll be familiar to any 365 subscribers out there. OneLake is, as the name suggests, a data lake which consolidates unified data from any cloud platform.  

But hang on a second: what exactly is a data lake? Essentially, it’s a large storage repository capable of holding various types of data. You might also hear the term “lakehouse” when working with Microsoft Fabric. That’s a hybrid, combining the best features of data lakes and data warehouses. The metaphor of the lake refers to the idea of data being like water, pooled into locations – or lakes – where it can be accessed at will. 

Microsoft’s OneLake takes this lake technology up a notch by offering a single, unified storage system which eradicates data silos and simplifies the user experience.  

How does Microsoft Fabric help organisations? 

When it comes to the advantages of Microsoft Fabric, it’s not just about what’s on the surface – it’s the depth of the platform’s capabilities that truly sets it apart. But what are those capabilities? 

• Centralisation of data. Microsoft Fabric offers a unified view of all your data, regardless of where it originally resides. This centralisation eliminates the hassle of toggling between different cloud services, streamlining your analytics process and saving valuable time. 
   
• Seamless integration with Power BI. If you’ve ever been intimidated by SQL queries, worry no more. Microsoft Fabric integrates effortlessly with Power BI, allowing you to generate insightful analytics and reports without diving into complex code. 
   
• Elimination of data silos. OneLake ensures that data is not isolated in separate storage accounts. This unified storage system makes data sharing straightforward and ensures that compliance with policy and security settings is enforced across the board. 
   
• Compatibility with Microsoft 365. Imagine being able to pull data from Microsoft 365 services like Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint directly into your analytics platform. Microsoft Fabric makes this a reality, offering a seamless integration that amplifies your data capabilities. 
   
• Microsoft 365 Copilot integration. If you’re not well-versed in Power BI, Microsoft 365 Copilot comes to the rescue. It enhances the user experience by enabling the creation of useful reports and data visualisations using the power of generative AI. No Power BI skills required.  

 
Microsoft Fabric and Microsoft 365 – the perfect partners? 

If you’re a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you might be wondering whether Microsoft Fabric is able to access of the data in your tenant. The answer is a straightforward ‘yes’.  

Fabric integrates with 365 using Microsoft Graph, a service which opens the door to a wealth of data across Microsoft 365 services. This means not only can you pull in emails from Outlook or files from SharePoint, but you can also integrate data from Teams, Viva Insights, and more.  

By using Microsoft 365 data integration for Microsoft Fabric, you can bring in all of your 365 data alongside other data sources without leaving the Fabric platform. The possibilities are endless from there: correlating email marketing data from Outlook with customer purchase data from another platform, or analysing Teams communication data in the context of project timelines.  

It’s this level of integration which truly turns your data into a strategic asset. 

How to start using Microsoft Fabric 

If you’re keen to get started, Microsoft Fabric is currently available as a public preview.  

That said, because Fabric operates in parallel with Power BI, you’ll need a license for this service in order to sign up for the 60-day free trial. If you’re running Microsoft 365 E5, you’ll already have a Power BI Pro license, but you can also purchase an individual licence in addition to your existing Microsoft 365 for Business subscription.  

As with many Microsoft products, licensing can get confusing, so be sure to speak to your Get Support account manager for the best possible advice.  

Whether you’re a data analyst or a decision-maker, Microsoft Fabric can turn data into your organisation’s secret weapon. To learn more, contact your account manager or call us today on 01865 594 000.